Another Tariff Cut
Power Minister Sardar Awais Khan Leghari has hinted that the government may further reduce electricity tariffs during the upcoming tariff rebasing in June 2025. However, he has cautioned, fluctuations in global fuel prices or currency devaluations will continue to be passed onto consumers through the Fuel Cost Adjustment.
Balochistan Protests
Several political parties have come out in support of the BNP-M’s long march to Quetta for the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders, including Mahrang Baloch. The parties supporting Sardar Akhtar Mengal are the National Party, the PTI, the Awami National Party, and the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement. The government is attempting to quell the unrest through talks with both Mahrang and the BNP-M.
Cholistan Canal
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has reiterated his party’s opposition to the Cholistan canals project, calling on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to withdraw the controversial initiative. In a speech at Gari Khuda Bakhsh, he said his party will stand with the public in its opposition to the project, adding he has raised the issue of “water justice” on the global stage and will continue to do so.
Warning for Terrorists
A Corps Commanders’ Conference has reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to countering all forms of terrorism, warning that facilitators and abettors will also face the full force of the state. Chaired by Army chief Gen. Asim Munir, the forum emphasized the need to defeat foreign-sponsored proxies and any political supporters attempting to disrupt peace and stability in Balochistan.
Abandoned Weapons
Pakistan has called on the United Nations to help recover and prevent the use of weapons abandoned in Afghanistan by groups such as the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army and the Majeed Brigade. In a UNSC briefing, Pakistan has emphasized the dangers posed by such weapons to civilians and armed forces of Pakistan, stressing on the need to shutter the thriving illicit arms trade.
Afghan Repatriation
As the federal government ramps up efforts to deport undocumented Afghan refugees, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reiterated his opposition to the policy, maintaining his government will not “force” anyone to leave the country without consent. The remarks have drawn backlash from the center, which has maintained KP cannot unilaterally impose its desires.
Enforcing Silence
Karachi police have filed a First Information Report against one of their own officers for allegedly posting an obscene comment about President Asif Ali Zardari on social media. Registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, the case alleges the officer shared derogatory remarks regarding the ailing president that were subsequently reported by a duty officer at the Sukkun police station.
Selective Rights
The U.S. has blunted a proposal submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council by Pakistan calling for the creation of an International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism on Israel’s actions in Palestine. The version passed by the Council, which aims to promote and protect human rights globally, merely refers to an invitation to the U.N. General Assembly to consider an IIIM in the future.
Internal Inquiry
Infighting within the PTI continues with no end in sight, as two more leaders have called for an inquiry against KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for describing them as “conspirators” in a recent interview. In separate statements, Asad Qaiser and Shahram Khan Tarakai have urged Gandapur to focus on improving governance and securing the release of Imran Khan rather than sowing divisions.
India v. Bangladesh
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus to avoid rhetoric that hampers bilateral relations between the neighboring states. The 40-minute meeting on the sidelines of a summit in Bangkok has been described as “candid, productive and constructive” by Dhaka. Since the ouster of Delhi-backed Sheikh Hasina, public opinion in Bangladesh has turned against India.